A new set of rules debated in the House of Assembly on Wednesday is designed to force members to be more tolerant, disciplined and organized when speaking, shaving substantial time limitations off speeches, one government official said.
According to Alfred Sears, attorney general and chairperson of the seven-member House Rules Committee, the drafted rules would also introduce a practical structure that would provide transparency, flexibility and a very delicate balance to Parliament.
But as far as Lucaya MP Neko Grant is concerned the whole parliamentary system needs to be overhauled.
“What is now being required of an MP demands that he or she be almost full time, and in order to do this without increasing the burden on our taxpayers, I respectfully suggest that we look at reducing the number of seats in this place and the Upper House, legislate the size of the Cabinet and with the savings that would have been realized as a result, then MP’s could be paid a reasonable salary, provided an office and staff to serve the needs of their constituents in earnest,” Mr. Grant proposed.
Members of Parliament collect an annual salary of $28,000, with Cabinet Ministers earning $66,000 in addition to their parliamentary salary.
Recalling the first time he was elected to Parliament some 12 years ago, Mr. Grant said he faced many disappointments, among them a lack of respect for time on the part of members.
“It is important that we demonstrate to the country that we are serious and that 10 o’clock in the morning is 10 o’clock in the morning and I sincerely hope that from this day forward ﾖ starting at 3pm today that we would all see a change and demonstrate to this country that we are serious because I do not believe in Bahamian time,” he said.
The House of Assembly is usually scheduled to begin at 10am, but its proceedings are often delayed by 30 to 45 minutes.
The new rules propose that the House stick to its schedule to begin at 10am and break at 1pm at which time the Speaker will suspend the sitting until 3pm. At 7pm, a motion would be moved (by a Minister) to extend the sitting if need be.
Mr. Grant further charged that the conduct of members in the past and at present “leaves much to be desired.” He hopes that with the approval of the rules, all House Members would conduct themselves in an honourable manner.
The FNM MP also expressed reservations about the recommendation that the dress code be liberalized, meaning that it would no longer be mandatory for members to wear dark clothing.
According to the Attorney General, men would be required to wear business suits with a tie and women, a business suit or appropriate dress.
“The concern in the Committee was that as we evolve our institution that we make the rules more appropriate for our cultural setting, climate and to provide some measure of flexibility and equality,” Minister Sears explained.
But as Mr. Grant sees it, there are some traditions that need to be preserved.
He added, “I must also question whether we are serious about provisions being made for oral questions because we have many questions ﾖ about 100 ﾖ unanswered and have been on this agenda for a very long timeﾅI also believe that there is an urgent need for members to be fair and factual in their presentations.”
Under the new house rules, the mover of a motion will be given be given an hour to speak. Every other member would be allowed 30 minutes.
During the budget debate, the Minister of Finance would be given three hours to speak, Ministers and the lead spokesperson for the Opposition, two hours and all other members, one hour.
Minister Sears has however promised to consult with Independent House Members to ensure that the new rules are fair.
South Andros MP Whitney Bastian seemed to have supported many of the issues Mr. Grant addressed as he too took issue with the proposal to revamp the dress code.
“In keeping with the perception of orderly and constructive forums, the relaxation of the dress code in this place should not be abused to the point where it is simply a distraction,” he advised.
“Even though our climate is tropical and light colours may be more comfortable, I feel that dark colors add a dimension of sobriety to this environment. As the principal objective is that we are not perceived in a less serious light, it is vitally important that we reflect the tradition and esteem of Parliament by dressing conservatively.”
He added that the true test of the rules, would be in their enforcement.
According to Mr. Bastian, the rules should also be applied impartially to all House Members as the Opposition is a necessary part of the whole parliamentary process.
“Let it not be said, Mr. Speaker, that you are a puppet for the government, that you are biased, partial, one-sided and lopsided,” Mr. Bastian said.
“Let it be said of you, Mr. Speaker, that throughout your term in office, at all times, you displayed impartiality towards all members of the House and at the same time has always maintained the dignity of your office and order in this honourable House.”
Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
